Implications of Iran’s nuclear scale-back - Jerusalem Studio 465
Under heightened international pressure, the Islamic Republic of Iran appears to strike back in several ways, not all of them overt. Following the attack on the Saudi oil facilities two months ago, Tehran has taken several steps in the nuclear domain, inching towards a clear violation of its commitments under the 2015 multilateral atomic accord. Is this a sign of more trouble to come, or a mere power-play before a potential diplomatic move?
Panel:
-Jonathan Hessen, host.
-Amir Oren, analyst.
- Dr. Yossi Mansharof, Iran and Political Shiite Islam Expert at the JISS Research Institute and the Ezri Center of Haifa University.
-Dr. Menahem Merhavy, research fellow, Truman Institute, Hebrew University.
The program offers the viewer deeper understanding about current events in Israel. The topics vary from domestic and foreign policy to social changes, archaelogy and religion.
The program is hosted by TV7 Israel News anchor Jonathan Hessen.
Israel's newly formed national unity government – Jerusalem Studio 516
Earlier this week, the Israeli Parliament, or Knesset in Hebrew, ended 507 days of political limbo by voting into office a new government, jointly headed by Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his rival turned Alternate Prime Minister, Benny Gantz. The uniquely structured government has a lot of domestic and foreign issues on its plate, but the…
Libya: latest update on the situation – Jerusalem Studio 515
The conflict in Libya, between two competing forces assisted by regional and global actors, has seemingly reached a deadlock. Neither the government headed by Fayez al-Sarraj, nor the militia commanded by Khalifa Haftar can defeat each other, and the costs in civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction keeps rising. Is there a solution in the horizon,…
U.S. regional challenges and interests – Jerusalem Studio 514
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Jerusalem for a few hours earlier this week, to confer with Israeli political and intelligence leaders. As usual, he touched upon the joint American-Israeli fight against Iranian aggression, as well as the so-called Trump Peace Plan and a possible change in the status of parts of the West…
Israel’s regional security challenges – Jerusalem Studio 513
Israel usually declines to comment on reports detailing alleged attacks by its Air Force and other units in Syria, mostly against Iranian targets. But according to reliable sources in Jerusalem, action against Iran and its proxies had indeed intensified, as of late. Meanwhile, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Islamist groups in Gaza have not laid down…
Egypt’s efforts to attain social stability & Security – Jerusalem Studio 512
With more than 100 million citizens mostly crowded in metropolitan Cairo and along the Nile river, Egypt is near-impossible to govern, as it is persistently plagued with social unrest, economic misery and security forces struggling against terror groups of various Islamist and Jihadists affiliations. Nevertheless, Egyptian President Abd-el Fatah a-Sisi seems to have relatively stabilized…
Iran's military advancement amid COVID19 - Jerusalem Studio 511
The Islamic Republic of Iran is suffering from several overlapping crises, which brought public approval of Tehran authorities to a new low. While Iran faces one of the most severe consequences of the corona pandemic, its Revolutionary Guards Corps defied international scrutiny by conducting a successful launch of a military satellite, an obvious signal of…
Israel's National Emergency Government amid COVID19 – Jerusalem Studio 510
Israel marked this week two of the most significant dates on its calendar, Memorial and Independence Days, to celebrate 72 years since its inception and to commemorate more than 23,000 soldiers and civilians who died in wars and terror-related attacks over this period. Yet, this two day pause in routine activities served to underscore an…
Syria vs Turkey amid the coronavirus crisis - Jerusalem Studio 509
The entire Middle East seems to be focused on the coronavirus crisis. While the spreading contagion is indeed a major issue everywhere, it is not the only one. In northern Syria, the Assad regime and Turkey are still in conflict, with various other powers involved directly or indirectly. To look at this persistent problem, which…
Israel's relentless battle vs the coronavirus - Jerusalem Studio 508
The Israeli political system, which has defined the coronavirus crisis, as severe enough to justify the establishment of a so-called national emergency government in Jerusalem – has earlier this week started to ease restrictions on the country’s economic and social activities. Should the consequences of alleviating the government-enacted measures prove hasty – is the decision…
Israel, the Palestinians and the coronavirus – Jerusalem Studio 507
Amid ongoing efforts by Israeli authorities to battle the corona contagion, Jerusalem is forced to consider the implication of the pandemic in the two Palestinian entities, neighboring the country. And while relations with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah is institutionalized, the Jewish State has seen the mutual benefit of working with health authorities in the…
Israel's battle against the coronavirus – Jerusalem Studio 506
Amid intensifying efforts by Jerusalem authorities to battle the unrelenting spread of the corona contagion, Israel has been beset by several successive holidays of various faiths, in which believers tend to congregate. Nevertheless, amid the unprecedented situation in which social distancing is the order of the day, most Israelis have complied with the restrictive measures…
Iran aspirations and challenges amid COVID19 - Jerusalem Studio 505
The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the countries hardest-hit by the corona contagion, on top of the fact that its global standing and domestic difficulties have challenged the Ayatollah regime well-before the current crisis emerged. Will this pandemic also prove lethal to the regime? Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Mr. Meir…
Israel's unyielding battle vs the corona virus - Jerusalem Studio 504
Much like many other countries, Israel has tackled the corona contagion in a relatively complacent manner; yet, when it realized the severity of the crisis – it marshaled all of its resources and sprung into action. Is it already possible to outline the full magnitude of the medical, social and economic upheaval? Guests: 1. Dr.…
Mideast Strategic security challenges amid COVID19 - Jerusalem Studio 503
The corona contagion overshadows all other issues across the Middle East, as is the case globally. And while all other matters pertaining to the security situation in the Levant and beyond may have been marginalized in the public’s consciousness – they continue to pose challenges to local and major actors, alike. In today’s program we…
Israel’s efforts amid COVID19 crisis - Jerusalem Studio 502
Israel is seemingly struggling to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, as the number of confirmed cases steadily rises, already amounting to some thousands of affected Israelis. How is the government in Jerusalem dealing with the contagion’s spread, and to what degree is the Israeli public adherent to the unprecedented – yet necessary –…
Israel security challenges amid COVID-19 (part II)- Jerusalem Studio 501
Following-up on our previous program, in which we discussed several aspects of the coronavirus crisis – and other challenges pertaining to Israel; we will now further analyse the highly complex situation. Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Eran Lerman vice president of the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security and a lecturer at…
Israel security challenges amid COVID-19 (part I)- Jerusalem Studio 500
The crisis that emerged in Israel with the eruption of the coronavirus has mesmerized the local population to an extent unprecedented, short of all-out military configurations. In contrast to other western societies, where the number of fatalities is must larger; the Jewish State is also dealing with a political deadlock in Jerusalem, and is in…
While the coronavirus crisis evidently overshadows all other world events; the Islamic Republic of Iran seems bent on challenging the West vis-à-vis its nuclear program. Earlier this month, the international atomic energy agency published a sharp rebuke of the clerical regime in Tehran over its persisting efforts to evade its responsibilities under its obligations as…
Israel and the Coronavirus, a world pandemic – Jerusalem Studio 498
The commonly-known coronavirus, which was declared by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic, has engulfed Israel – must as it did many other countries, throughout the world. The Israeli interim government has issued strict orders with regard to public and private behavior, with normal life almost grinding to a halt, and the economy…
Israel’s qualitative edge amid regional turmoil – Jerusalem Studio 497
As competing politicians in Jerusalem keep actively maneuvering and negotiating in an effort to build a governing coalition, following a third election campaign in less than a year; one issue was sure to concern whoever holds office in the key positions of Prime Minister and Minister of Defense: the security threats to the State of…
Syria vs Turkey, war and diplomacy – Jerusalem Studio 496
A major conflict between Russia and Turkey was seemingly averted last week, when their respective presidents, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met in Moscow and reached a relatively limited arrangement for an immediate ceasefire in Syria’s northwestern Idlib governorate. Nevertheless, to judge by past agreements - which were proclaimed but never fully implemented -…
U.S.-Israel bilateral relations 2020 – Jerusalem Studio 495
There is a span of eight months between last week’s elections in Israel and the anticipated U.S. elections, which are scheduled for November 3rd. During this time, Jerusalem’s next government and the Trump Administration will have to manage the political, diplomatic and security aspects of their relationship, as they lay the ground for a more…
Israel’s unprecedented 3rd round of elections – Jerusalem Studio 494
Earlier this week, Israelis headed for the polling stations for an unprecedented third round of elections in 11 months. Unfortunately, their wish for a clear-cut decision did not come true. Outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu survived and even increased his Likud party’s representation in the Knesset, the Parliament, but did not manage to have the…
Prospects of a wide-scale Russia-Turkey conflict – Jerusalem Studio 493
Tensions between Ankara and Moscow persist, amid ongoing battles in Syria’s northwestern Idlib region. President Vladimir Putin and his counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan are seemingly on a collision course; with Turkey – historically – the weaker party, looking to avoid a major confrontation with Russia. Are we heading to such a conflict or is there…
Israel’s preparedness to tackle the coronavirus – Jerusalem Studio 492
Israel failed to escape the fate that has befallen many countries around the worlds, as the coronavirus spreads, infecting more and more people in various continents. But, for Israel, it is a unique problem because of the possible security and political repercussions. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. - Amir Oren, analyst. - Dr. Asher Shalmon,…
Turkey’s regional security challenges & aspirations – Jerusalem Studio 491
The area in Northern Syria, just south of the Turkish border, has in recent weeks been the focus of friction, as fighters and refugees move in and out of embattled spots in Idlib province. While Moscow is in full support of Damascus, it is also negotiating with Ankara to find some interim solution. Panel: -…
Israel Unprecedented 3rd Round of Elections - Jerusalem Studio 490
In seventy years since the inception of the Jewish State, Israel elected its Parliament – or Knesset in Hebrew - at an average of once every three and a half years. But a week and a half from today, Israelis will head to the polls for an unprecedented third time in less than a year,…
While hostilities in war-torn Syria are seemly far from over, throughout the country; the focus is now squarely on the northwestern province of Idlib, where the forces of Turkey and the Assad regime are involved in open conflict. What are the prospects of a wider escalation, and consequently, the implications to Israel? Panel: - Jonathan…
Israel’s security challenges amid escalating tensions - Jerusalem Studio 488
Two weeks ahead of Israel’s unprecedented third round of elections, tensions along its borders are steadily rising. The political deadlock in Jerusalem could either serve as a cover for a sudden round of hostilities, or, convince the adversaries of the Jewish State to wait until after a new Israeli government is finally formed. Panel: -…
Israel’s regional standing and challenges - Jerusalem Studio 487
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is fighting his third election campaign in less than a year, has traveled to Uganda last week in order to meet with Sudan’s leader, General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan, who expressed his wish to normalize Khartum’s relations with Jerusalem. Sudan, bordering Egypt and Ethiopia – among others - is also…
U.S. ‘deal of the century’, projections and implications – Jerusalem Studio 486
When President Donald Trump unveiled his long-awaited vision for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, last week - it drew, as expected, both praise and criticism. While Trump was given credit for trying to succeed where his predecessors failed; he was also faulted for various details of his so-called “Deal of the Century”. Panel: - Jonathan…
Turkey-Egypt rising tensions over regional dominance – Jerusalem Studio 485
Ever since the Muslim Brotherhood was toppled in Cairo by General-turned-President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, Turkey’s ruler, Recep Tayyip Erdogan has evidently cooled his country’s relations with Egypt, to the extent that put the two nations on a course of bitter rivalry, for supremacy among Muslim nations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Are those two regional powers…
Iran’s ideological aspirations and hurdles – Jerusalem Studio 484
Forty years on, the Islamic Republic of Iran, is both an ideological power wishing to export its fundamental theology; and, a realistic nation-state aware of power politics. The two streams are reflected in the struggle apparently involving major figures in the regime – following the latest flareups with the United States. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen,…
Israel’s legal challenges amid ICC investigations – Jerusalem Studio 483
The international criminal court, which is operated for less than 20 years, is causing Israel quite a headache. Its Chief prosecutor has referred to the governing body several issues, which have to do with both Jurisdiction and substance with a negative impact, on Israeli civilian and military leaders. Is this really a dangerous new front…
Israel’s legal challenges amid ICC investigations – Jerusalem Studio 483
The international criminal court, which is operated for less than 20 years, is causing Israel quite a headache. Its Chief prosecutor has referred to the governing body several issues, which have to do with both Jurisdiction and substance with a negative impact, on Israeli civilian and military leaders. Is this really a dangerous new front…
Struggles of democracies to combat totalitarian regimes – Jerusalem Studio 482
The state of Israel is, of course, the only liberal democracy in the Middle East. Which means that some of its problems are peculiar to its region, but others have to do with the nature of its democratic system. Many other democracies also find themselves in crisis, partly, because they have to contend with totalitarian…
East Mediterranean conflicts and alliances - Jerusalem Studio 481
Earlier this month, leaders from Israel, Cyprus and Greece held a trilateral meeting in Athens, to discuss further developments in common energy and security interests in the Eastern-Mediterranean. In parallel, Turkey has enlarged its penetration of Libya, in efforts to secure its claim to what Ankara considers to be: its Exclusive Economic Zone. Panel: -…
Prospects of a wider Mideast conflict - Jerusalem Studio 480
The Middle East is still reeling from the aftershocks of the January 2nd targeted killing of Iranian Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, by the United States in Iraq. It remains to be seen whether this will necessitate a revision of the draft-annual threat assessment by intelligence professional in Israel, as well as in the region.…
In seven weeks-time, Israelis will head to polling stations for the third time in less than a year, in an effort to break Jerusalem’s political deadlock. The main contenders would once again be, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who leads the ruling-Likud and former IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz, who chairs the centrist Blue and…
Jerusalem's security challenges for 2020- Jerusalem Studio 478
Before we start today’s program, it is our sad duty to say farewell to a dear friend and colleague who partook in many of these Jerusalem Studio sessions, Dr. Emily Landau – one of Israel’s foremost experts on nuclear proliferation, passed away earlier this week. She will be sorely missed by her friends and viewers…
Jerusalem- Damascus strategic dynamics - Jerusalem Studio 477
A major focus of tension this year is sure to be the Israel-Syria relationship. while gradually coming out of its domestic nine-year conflict, Israel’s northern neighbor is still hosting forces threatening it – most prominently, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards elite Quds Force, as well as the Lebanese Hezbollah organization. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen, host. -…
Jerusalem Studio’s 2019 Recap – Jerusalem Studio 476
As the year 2019 draws to a close, it is high time to look back and survey its landscape. What was accomplished? What fell short? What can one expect from the year ahead? Guests: Panel: -Jonathan Hessen, host. -Amir Oren, analyst. -Dr. Eran Lerman vice president of the Jerusalem Institute of Strategy and Security and…
Israel’s 3rd round of elections – Jerusalem Studio 475
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who for the last year has headed a caretaker government in Jerusalem, is facing three challenges ahead of the March 2020 election. The first is an internal one within his Likud party. The second challenge pertains to a legal finding regarding his eligibility to form a government, if he obtains…
Is the Middle East on the verge of a second “Arab Spring”? – Jerusalem Studio 474
It is almost nine years since the first signs of upheaval in the Arab world emerged, starting with Tunisia, and quickly spreading east, to Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries. This was the so-called Arab spring, which initially started as a democratic outpouring of popular sentiment, but soon deteriorated into chaos that altered the face…
Europe’s insistence to preserve the Iran nuclear deal – Jerusalem Studio 473
Over the last three years, European powers have seemingly diverged from the American position under the Trump Administration, regarding their policy vis-à-vis Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While the United States withdrew from the so-called 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, Europe has been adamant on preserving it – even while Tehran responds to Washington’s challenge by scaling…
Israel's military preparedness amid domestic turmoil – Jerusalem Studio 472
Israelis are focused, or perhaps even fixated these days on the political deadlock in Jerusalem, under which the country has been operating in a limited capacity for almost an entire year. Threats and enemies, however, have not granted Israel a respite from aspirations to force their will upon the Jewish State. Panel: - Jonathan Hessen,…
Shifting alliances between east and west – Jerusalem Studio 471
The north Atlantic treaty organization has convened its heads of states in London this week, to commemorate NATO’s establishment 70 years ago, at the height of the cold war with the soviet union. Circumstances have of course changed dramatically over the seven decades, and with them – global alliances seem to be shifting, with the…
Israel-Iran: Growing prospects of a direct confrontation – Jerusalem Studio 470
Tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran have escalated this last month, with both words and warheads being exchanged between the armed forces of both Jerusalem and Teheran. Both sides have warned each other that whatever they do, retaliation is sure to come. Are we on the verge of war between these two…
